Circuit breaking device



June 21, 1932.I a Ev MlLLs 1,864,144

CIRCUIT BREAKING DEVICE l Filed Feb..12, 195o 3 sri'eesshe'a 1 June 21, 1932. B. E. MILLS CIRCUIT BREAKING DEV'ICE Filed Feb. l2, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 i *nl @QJ J 27/ Junezl, 1932. B; E MlLLs 1,864,144

CIRCUIT BREAKING DEVICE Filled Feb. 12, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented `June 2l, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BERT E. MILLS, 0F OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO MILLS NOVELTY COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION 0F ILLINOIS CIRCUIT BREAKING DEVICE Application tiled February 12, 1930.

This invention relates to a circuit-breaking device adapted for use in the control of machines the operation of which is to be interrupted after the completion of a cycle of operation or after the elapse of a predetermined interval of time. The device is particularly designed for coin operation, provision being made for its control by the insertion of a coin either locally or at a remote paying station.

In coin-controlled circuit-breaking devices which have heretofore been employed for the aforementioned purpose, there is ordinarily provided a switch and a control member for the switch which is adapted to be moved away from circuit-breaking position under the action of a coin-controlled escapement member. The switch control member is returned toward circuit-breaking position by a cut-out magnet, a. pneumatic, or equivalent means, which is actuated upon the completion of each cycle of operation of the controlled machine.

Vhen electromagnetic means, such as a cut-out magnet, is used to return the. switch vcontrol member toward circuit-breaking position it is necessary to keep the cutout magnet energized for an appreciable interval of time in order to return the switch control member toward circuit-breaking position. In other words. an instantaneous energization of the cut-out magnet is not suiiicient, as the mechanical parts of the circuit-breaker would not have time to function. To this end the controlled machine is provided with a switch which aiiords a dragging or wiping contact, the circuit through the cut-out magnet including this switch. so that when the latter is closed the cut-out magnet will be energized long enough to effectively actuate the circuitbreaker.

I have found, however, that in an automatic phonograph construction, for example. when using a cut-out magnet switch of the type referred to, the moving parts of the phonograph do not have sufficient inertia to carry the switch past the closed circuit position, the contacts remaining together. with the result that the next customer to drop a coin in the machine obtains no performance, since the Serial No. 427,670.

cut-out magnet circuit is already closed from the previous operation and prevents re-energization of the machine so long as it remains in that condition.

In such cases the present types of coin-operated circuit breakers do not keep the circuit which operates the machine closed long enough to assure the completion of the cycle of operation and the complete passage of the cut-out magnet switch beyond the circuitbreaking position, the latter step being considered as requisite to the completion of the cycle of operation. There are many instances where the movingparts of the controlled machine do not have suflicient inertia to carry the cut-out magnet switch beyond the circuitbreaking position. In all such cases the successful operation of the machine requires the use of a circuit breaker which will allow current to pass through the controlled machine until the cycle of operation is fully completed.

An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide in a device of this character a primary switch for breaking a circuit upon the completion of a cycle or cycles of operation by the controlled machine, and in conjunction with this switch an auxiliary or supplementary switch which is momentarily closed the instant before the primary switch is opened to assure completion of the cycle of operation by the controlled machine before the circuit through the controlled machine is finally broken.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as I proceed with my specification, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevational View of the device, both switches being in the open position;

Fig. 2 is a View corresponding to Fig. l showing the auxiliary switch in the closed position, the primary switch being in the open position;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the device, the parts being in the same position as in Fig. l; Fig. 4 is an end elevational View taken from the left hand end, Viewing Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram showing the circuit-breaking device incorporated in an electrical circuit with a timing motor and a machine the operation of which is to be controlled.

In the embodiment shown, a ratchet member 10 is pivotally mounted on a stub shaft 11 which is carried by, and eXten-ds laterally from, a base plate 12. A spring 13, secured at one end to the ratchet 10 and at the other end to the stub shaft 11, urges the ratchet in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 1. An escapement member 14 pivoted at 15 to the base plate 12 controls in a step-by-step movement the rotation of the ratchet 10 in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 1. The escapement member is provided with a pair of spaced teeth 16 and 17 which are adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet 10 to permit the movement of the ratchet 10 in a` clockwise direction a vdistance corresponding to one tooth for each oscillation of the escapement member 14 from the position shown by the solid lines in Fig. 1 to the position shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1. The movement of the escapement member 14 may be controlled locally by the impingement of a coin introduced through a coin chute 13 against an arm 19, which is connected at one end to the escapement member 14. The weight of the coin depresses the arm 19 to the dotted position as, shown in Fig. 1, whereupon the coin escapes and the escapement member 14 returns to normal position under the action of a spring 20 which is secured at one end to the escapement member and at the other end to the base plate 12. The movement of the escapement member may be controlled by the insertion of a coin at a remote paying station through a magnet 21 which is suitably connected by the wires 22 and 23 to a switch which is designed to be closed upon the insertion of a coin at the remote paying station. Vhen the magnet 21 is energized, the arm 19, which constitutes the armature of the magnet 21, is Vdrawn downwardly to the dotted position shown in Fig. 1 and returns back to normal position under the action of the spring 2O when the magnet 21 is de-energized.

The primary switch of the circuit breaking device comprises a fixed contact member 24, which is secured b a bolt 25 to an insulation block 26, said bloc r being secured to the base plate 12; and a movable contact member 27 carried by a switch arm 28 which is pivotally secured to the base plate 12 by a pin 29. The wires 30 and 31 connect the contact members 24 and 27, respectively, in the circuit which energizes the machine which is to be controlled. The switch arm 28 carries an extension 32 which projects beyond the pivot pin 29 and extends into the path of travel of a, pin 33 which is carried by the ratchet 10. In the position of the parts shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pin 33 is in engagement with the extension 32 and the Contact member 27 is separated from the Contact member 24. It will be apparent that as the ratchet 10 is turned in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 1, by the successive insertions of' coins, the pin 33 will be displaced from the position of engagementwith the extension 32 a distance correspondino' to the extent ot turning of the ratchet 10. n the removal of the pin 33 from engagement with the extension 32 the contact member 27 drops into engagement with the contact member 24 to complete the circuit through the associated controlled machine.

The circuit-breaking mechanism includes means operable to break the circuit by removing the contact member 27 from engagement with the contact member 24 when the cycle of operation of the controlled machine has been completed. The mechanism for this purpose comprises a magnet 34, ot` the solenoid type, which is connected by wires 35 and 36 to a time controlled switch; and a ratchet-driving member 37 which is controlled by the magnet 34 and operable thereby to return the ratchet pin 33 one step towards circuitbreaking position upon each energization of the magnet 34. The ratchet-driving member 37 is provided at its lower end with a pawl 38 which is pivoted at 39 to the member 37 and limited in its pivotal movement thereon by a stop 40. The ratchet driving member 37 is integrally connected to a bifurcated lever 41 which is pivoted at its lower end on a shaft 42, said shat't being `iournaled in a bracket 43 which is secured by the bolts 44 to the base plate 12. The bracket 43 carries an upright portion 45 which affords a support for the magnet 34. The bifurcated lever 41 is pivotally connected at its upper end by a pin 46 to an arm 47 which reciprocates with the armature 48 of the magnet 34. Then the magnet 34 is energized the armature 48 is drawn inwardly from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 2, which movement in turn brings the pawl 38 into engagement with the ratchet 10 to move the pin 33 in a counter-clockwise direction one step towards circuit-breaking position. A coil spring 49, extending between the pawl 38 and an arm which is carried by the bracket 43, returns the ratchet-driving member 37 to inoperative position when the magnet 34 is cle-energized.

An auxiliary or secondary switch is provided to momentarily close the circuit when the magnet 34 is energized. This switch includes the fixed Contact member 24 and aA movable contact member 51 which is carried by a switch arm 52. said switch arm being pivotally secured by the pin 29 to the base plate 12. The contact member 51 is connected into the circuit of the machine which is being controlled by a wire The switch arm 52 carries a laterally extending bracket 54 which is adapted to engage a finger 55 carried by the bifurcated lever 4l. A coil spring 56, secured at one end to the switch arm and at the other end to a fixed point on the base plate l2. urges the contact member 5l into engagement with the fixed contact member 24.

Referring to Fig. 2, when the magnet 34 is momentarily energized to turn the ratchet l0 towards circuit-breaking position, the finger 55 will be raised and the switch member 52 is free to drop the contact member 5l onto the contact member 24. lVhen the magnet 34 is tlc-energized the finger 55 will raise the switch member 52 to separate the contacts 5l and 24, this action being effected by the coil spring 49 which tends to return the ratchet driving member 37 back to the position shown in Fig. l. The contact members 27 and 5l are connected to the same side of the line by the wires 3l and 53 respectively, so that the function of the auxiliary switch is merely to keep the circuit closed through the controlled machine until a cycle of operations has been entirely completed.

It will be apparent that the circuit through the contacts Q4 and 27 is not broken until the pin 33 moves into Contact with the extension 32, which does not occur until the controlled machine has rendered service corresponding` to the number of coins inserted. Although the auxiliary switch is momentarily closed each time the ratchet 10 is returned one step towards circuit-breaking position, it has no effect in keeping the circuit through the controlled machine closed until the final movement of the ratchet l0 which brings the pin 33 into engagement with the extension 32. Until that point is reached the circuit through the controlled machine is continuously closed and the auxiliary switch would necessarily have no effect. The contacts 24, 27 and 51 are preferably made of' carbon and are removably secured to their corresponding switch supports so that they may be readily replaced.

In Fig. G I have shown a wiring diagram embodying the circuit-breaking device. The controlled machine, which for example may be a radio, an automatic phonograph, or similar mechanism, is indicated at 56, the machine being fed by a wire 5T which connects with one of the main line wires 5S. A wire 59 carries the circuit from the controlled machine 56 through the contact members 5l, 27 and 2% of the circuit-breaking device back to the other side of the main line yGO. A timing motor 6l controls the switch 62 to energize the magnet 34 upon the completion of a cycle of operation of the machine 56. It will be apparent that the machine 56, which is placed across the main line wires 58 and 60, will operate until the circuit is broken through the contacts 24 and 27 or through the auxiliary contacts 24 and 51. The magnet 34 is placed directly in the main line circuit and will be energized to actuate the circuit-breaking mechanism when a cycle of operation has been completed as determined by the timing motor 6l.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in View of the prior art.

What I regard as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed contact member; a primary switch member positioned adjacent said fixed contact member and operable upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles ofoperation of said external mechanism to open an electrical circuit which energizes said mechanism; and an auxiliary switch member positioned adjacent said fixed contact member and operable to keep said circuit closed until after the completion of the cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechanism.

Q. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed Contact member; a primary switch member; an auxiliary switch member; means operable to open a circuit through said fixed contact member and said primary switch member upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles of operation of said external mechanism; and means operable before the time of opening of said circuit through the primary switch member to close said circuit through said fixed Contact member and the auxiliary switch member until after the completion of the cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechanism'.

3. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a switch; a control member for opening and closing said switch; means for moving said control member away from circuitbreaking position; means for returning said control member to circuit-breaking position; and an auxiliary switch operated by said lastmentioned means and adapted to be closed thereby before said first mentioned switch is opened.

4. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a switch; a control member for opening and closing said switch; means for Inoving said control member in step-by-step Azo movement away from circuit-breaking position; means, including a magnet, for returning said control member to circuit-breaking position; and an auxiliary switch operated by said last mentioned means and adapted to be closed thereby before said first mentioned switch is opened.

5. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed contact member; a primary switch member; an auxiliary switch member; means operable to open a circuit through said fixed contact member and said primary switch member upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles of operation of said external mechanism, said means including a ratchet, a pin carried by said ratchet and adapted to remove said primary switch member from engagement 4with said fixed contact member, an escapement member operable to move said ratchet in step-by-step movement away from circuit-breaking position, and a ratchet-driving member opera-ble to return said ratchet one step toward circuitbreaking position upon completion of each cycle of operation of the controlled machine; and means operable before the time of opening of said circuit through the primary switch member to close said circuit through said fixed contact member and the auxiliary switch member unt-il after the completion ofthe cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechamsm.

6. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed contact member; a primary switch member; an auxiliary switch member; means operable to open a circuit through said fixed Contact member and said primary switch member upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles of operation of said external mechanism, said means including a ratchet, a pin carried by said ratchet and adapted to remove said primary switch member from engagement with vsaidi fixed rupting rthe cycle of operation of an external Contact member, an escapement member operable to move said ratchet in step-by-step movement away from circuit-breaking position, and ratchet-driving means operable to return said ratchet one step towards circuitbreaking position upon completion of each cycle of operation of the controlled machine, said ratchet-driving means comprising a magnet adapted to be energized upon the completion of a cycle of operation of the controlled machine and a ratchet drive member controlled by said magnet and operable thereby to effect a step-by-step return of said ratchet; and means operable before the time of opening of the circuit through said primary switch member to close the circuit through said fixed contact member and said auxiliary switch member until after the completion of the cycle or cycles of operation of said external" mechanism.

7. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed contact member; a primary switch member; an auxiliary switch member; means operable to open a circuit through said fixed contact member and said primary switch member upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles of operation of said external mechanism, 'said means including a ratchet, a pin carried by said ratchet and adapted to remove said primary switch member out of engagement with said fixed contact member, an escapement member operable to move said ratchet in step-by-step movement away from circuit-breaking position, and ratchet-driving means operable to return said ratchet one. step towards circuitbreaking position upon completion of each cycle of operation of the controlled machine; and means'operable before the time of opening of said circuit through the primary switch member to close said circuit through said fixed contact member and the auxiliary switch member until after the completion of the-cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechanism, said means comprising a lift member actuated by movement of said ratchet-driving member and operable to move said auxiliary switch member into and out of engagement with said fixed contact member.

8. In a circuit-breaking device for interrupting the cycle of operation of an external mechanism, the combination which comprises; a fixed Contact member; a primary switch member positioned adjacent said fixed contact member and operable upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles Y of operation of said external mechanism to .open an electrical circuit which energizes said mechanism and an auxiliary switch member operabl'ezto keep said circuit closed until after .the completion of the cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechanism.

9. In a circuit-breaking device for intermechanism, the combination which comprises a primary switch operable upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles of operation of said external mechanism to open an electrical circuit which energizes said mechanism; and an auxiliary switch member operable to keep said circuit closed until after the completion of the cycle or cycles of operation of said external mechanism.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name to this specification.

BERT E. MILLS. 

